Kīlauea Point refuge reports hires and a planned Hanalei overlook; Sen. Hirono seeks funding

Representatives for Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge told the association that four new jobs have been filled—two janitorial positions, one park ranger and one tractor operator—and that refuge staff have begun perimeter fencing and design work for a new Hanalei overlook.

Minutes record the overlook as roughly 30% designed and sited on approximately 5.4 acres at the old Princeville Nursery location; planned amenities include a small meeting hale, restrooms and an 80-space parking lot. A multi‑agency meeting with federal, state and county partners was scheduled for Feb. 28 to coordinate funding and project timing, and the minutes state that Sen. Mazie Hirono is pursuing additional funds to support the project.

Refuge staff also said they are turning visitors away at times because of parking limits and may adopt a reservation system and parking staff; longer-term goals discussed include reducing car access at the Lighthouse. Construction funding and final scheduling remain subject to intergovernmental approvals and grant outcomes.